BREAST CANCER! YOU'RE KIDDING ... RIGHT?

This little book was written by Catherine Doughty, MS, CCHI, who was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2007.  The shocking diagnosis came when she was separated from her husband and planning a divorce, and also planning life as a single mom to her two children.  She was also pursuing more education to better her career prospects in hospital administration.  Such a diagnosis always comes at a bad time, but this was a particularly bad time.

Fortunately, her husband lived nearby and took care of the kids whenever necessary, and she had the resources to hire a nanny who also pitched in to help with Doughty's physical care when needed.  But it never rains but it pours.  In the midst of treatment Doughty lost her job when her department was eliminated in downsizing.  Could anything more happen to her?

The subtitle of the book, "Living Life Through the Prism of Uncertainty and Having a Good Time!, belies the many problems she endured.  She applied scientific methodology learned in her job to accumulate knowledge about her disease and treatments.  The book includes graphs and suggestions of how to apply this method to your personal journey through cancer, so it isn't restricted to breast cancer.  It's an organized way to handle the steep learning curve we all confront.  

Above all, Cat (as she likes to be called) wanted to look good and keep up with work, then job hunting, and not upset her children.  She had wigs before her hair fell out.  She never let herself think negatively.  She carefully researched and evaluated the risks and benefits of each step before going ahead.  She tried alternative ways of feeling good despite treatment.  

I must say that if your inner English teacher is alive and well, reading this book will take patience as you will frequently itch to correct grammar and punctuation.  If you can squelch Miss English Stickler, and just go with the flow, you'll admire Cat for her determination not only to survive cancer but also to have fun and look great doing so.  

My attitude in my own cancer fight differs from hers but there are points on which we totally agree.  One very important point she makes, for instance, is that you need to have someone on whom you can completely rely.  I'm lucky that my husband is that person, but if that isn't an option, you must find someone to have your back throughout.  When you don't feel well, for instance, someone else has to take charge.  When treatment isn't going well and no one is listening to you, your "rock" must make your voice heard.  And sometimes you simply need a shoulder to lean on.

You can learn more about Doughty and her book at http://www.thecancercat.com/.  The book is available now.  She is a happy cancer survivor who loves to share what she has learned.

Source: Author through Tribute Book Tours
Recommended reading for anyone who has cancer